Learning how to take Busy Lizzie cuttings (also known as Impatiens) is one of the easiest and most rewarding propagation techniques for UK gardeners. These colourful, shade-loving plants produce months of vibrant flowers from early summer right through to autumn. Taking cuttings is incredibly simple, delivers very high success rates (often 90%+), and lets you create identical new plants for free. This comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide covers everything you need — including the critical UK-specific challenges like downy mildew — so you can confidently multiply your favourite varieties.
Why Take Busy Lizzie Cuttings?
- Extremely easy and fast: One of the simplest plants for complete beginners to propagate successfully.
- True-to-type plants: Cuttings give you exact clones with the same flower colour, size, and growth habit.
- Massive cost savings: A tray of 6–12 plants costs £8–£20 in garden centres. You can produce dozens from just one healthy parent plant.
- Extend the season: Take late-summer cuttings to overwinter young plants for early colour next year.
- Fill gaps quickly: Perfect for refreshing tired containers or filling shady borders.
Best Time to Take Busy Lizzie Cuttings in the UK
- Ideal window: Late spring to late summer (June – September).
- Best months: June, July, and August, when the plants are vigorous and actively growing.
- Late summer/early autumn cuttings: Excellent for overwintering young plants indoors to get a head start the following year.
How to Take Busy Lizzie Cuttings?
The job of taking busy lizzie cuttings is not too difficult but there are a few things that you will need to consider in order to ensure the best chance of success. There are also a few things that you will need that you may already have kicking about in your shed.
What You Need
- Sharp tool for cutting (knife, secateurs etc.)
- Rooting hormone (amazon link – opens in a new tab)
- Polythene bag
- Bright windowsill
- Potting mix
- 10-inch pots
- Gloves
Step 1 – Choose the Parent Plant
Select a healthy, vigorous plant with plenty of fresh, non-flowering growth. Avoid any plants showing yellowing leaves or white fluffy mould underneath (signs of downy mildew, a major problem in the UK).
Step 2 – Select and Cut the Stem
Choose healthy, non-flowering side shoots 8–12 cm (3–5 inches) long.
- Cut just below a leaf node at a 45° angle.
- Make a straight cut at the top just above a node.
Note: Cutting at a 45° angle reduces the possibility of water build-up on the parent plant that can ultimately cause rotting.
Step 3 – Prepare the Cutting
Remove the lower leaves, leaving 3–4 healthy leaves at the top (cut large leaves in half to reduce water loss).
Optionally dip the base in rooting hormone (not essential — Busy Lizzies root very easily).
Step 4 – Root the Cutting
- Water method (easiest and most popular): Place cuttings in a clean jar of room-temperature water on a bright windowsill. Change the water every 2–3 days. Very visual, fast, and excellent for children. Change water regularly to prevent rot. Ideal for quick results.
- Compost method: Insert into small pots of moist, well-draining peat-free compost and cover with a plastic bag or propagator. Produces slightly stronger roots long-term but requires careful humidity management.
Step 5 – Aftercare
Keep in bright, indirect light (avoid direct midday sun).
Roots usually appear in 7–14 days in water or 10–21 days in compost.
Once roots are 3–5 cm long, pot up into small pots.
Step 6 – Harden Off and Plant Out
Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before planting after the last frost.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Best Varieties for UK Gardens
- Downy Mildew Resistant: ‘Beacon’, ‘Imara’, ‘Infinity’ series — essential for reliable performance.
- Classic Colours: Traditional Impatiens walleriana for shade.
- New Guinea Impatiens: Larger flowers, more sun-tolerant, but slightly harder to root.
When Can I Plant My Busy Lizzie Cuttings Outside?
Safest time: Mid to late May to early June, after the last frost has passed in your area.
Regional guide:
Southern England & coastal areas: Mid-May onwards
Midlands & central UK: Late May to early June
Northern England, Scotland & higher ground: Early to mid-June
Rule of thumb: Wait until night-time temperatures are consistently above 10–12°C (50–54°F) and there is no risk of frost.
How to Know Your Cuttings Are Ready
Your Busy Lizzie cuttings are ready to plant outside when:
- They have developed a good root system (3–5 cm long in water, or you feel resistance when gently tugging).
- They have several sets of healthy new leaves and look strong and bushy.
- They have been hardened off properly (see below).
Essential Hardening Off Process (Don’t Skip This!)
Busy Lizzie cuttings grown indoors or in a propagator are soft and tender. Sudden exposure to outdoor conditions can shock or kill them. Follow this 7–14 day process:
- Days 1–3: Remove the plastic bag or propagator lid for 1–2 hours during the day in a sheltered, shady spot. Bring them back indoors at night.
- Days 4–7: Increase outdoor time to 4–6 hours daily, still protected from wind and direct sun.
- Days 8–10: Leave them outside all day in a sheltered position, bringing them in only at night if temperatures drop.
- Day 11+: Leave them outside permanently before planting.
Final Planting Tips
- Position: Choose a spot with partial shade or dappled shade. Busy Lizzies hate full, hot afternoon sun (it can scorch leaves and flowers).
- Soil: Plant into rich, moist but well-drained soil or fresh compost in containers. Add compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients.
- Spacing: 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) apart for good coverage.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist (they are thirsty plants).
- Protection: Use fleece or cloches for the first week if nights are still cool.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, propagating busy lizzie cuttings is a great low-cost way to create new plants. The process is simple and can be done by just about everyone and by following the simple steps above, you can easily create new plants that will thrive in your garden.
Garden Doctor Tips
“If you can, take multiple cuttings from multiple plants to increase chances of success!”
“If you want to involve the kids, pop your cuttings in water so you can see the roots as they grow!”
“Remember not to leave the cutting in direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves to burn and the cutting will be unlikely to survive!”
“When covering, ensure that your cuttings are not touching the plastic. Being in contact with the plastic when wet can lead to rotting and other problems!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What potting mix do I need for busy lizzie cuttings?
Like with many plants, busy lizzie cuttings do best in a slightly acidic potting mix (5.5 to 6.0 pH). You can make your own potting mix or purchase a pre-made mix from a garden centre.
Can busy lizzies be grown from cuttings?
Yes, Busy Lizzies can be grown from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, young plants in late spring or early summer.
Can you take cuttings from busy lizzies?
Yes, you can take cuttings from busy lizzies. This variety of flowers is very easy to propagate from cuttings, and in fact, taking cuttings is my favourite way to create new plants.
Author
Trevor Wright is not just a seasoned horticulturist; he’s the esteemed Garden Doctor. With a BSc in Horticulture and years of hands-on experience in the soil, Trevor has become a trusted mentor for all things gardening. As the founder of Garden Doctor, he’s committed to clarifying the intricacies of gardening, offering straightforward advice that’s rooted in years of practice. His writing is a garden of how-tos, savvy insights, and comprehensive guides that enable individuals to nurture and grow their garden dreams. When he’s not knee-deep in garden beds, Trevor is at his keyboard passing on his green-thumbed wisdom to budding gardeners, ensuring that the legacy of sustainable and joyful gardening blossoms far and wide.
